This medal is an anniversary medal given to soldiers and veterans of the Russian Civil War who had served in the Soviet Workers’ and Peasants’ Red Army for it’s first 20 years (1918 - 1938). The reverse of the medal shows a soldier aiming a rifle with the dates 1918 - 1938. What is unique about this medal, besides the photo of the recipient, is that it has its own designated award book rather than the usual general one for other medals. This is a highly sought after and prized medal. These medals was hung from a five-sided suspension after 1943.

The Admiral Ushakov medal was awarded to noncommissioned officer ranks in the Soviet navy during the Great Patriotic War (WW II). This silver medal has a unique characteristic of having the anchor soldered separately to the reverse side. I consider it the most impressive of all Soviet medals.

“For Bravery” medal was issued to service personnel of the Soviet armed forces, as well as internal security troops, and was awarded for personal courage during combat. Earlier rectangular suspensions were replaced with the familiar five-sided ribbon holder typical of Russian medals. Earlier versions also had the “No.” written in script. Duplicate medals were issued in case the original was lost.

“For Combat Service” medal was issued to service personnel of the Soviet armed forces for participation in combat. Earlier rectangular suspensions were replaced with the familiar five-sided ribbon holder typical of Russian medals. Earlier versions also had the “No.” written in script, as exhibited on the medal below.

This is probably a fake because of the way “4” is printed on the medal. I bought this medal at Kadaka Turg in Tallinn, Estonia back in 1993. This old guy was sitting on a blanket along the road leading into the turg (rinok or bazaar). He didn’t want much, so I bought it. The ribbon material also appears fake. If it were original it would have been issued in 1938.

Cyrillic Д on the medal represents a duplicate issued when the original was lost.

The number 19,005 is stamped on the screw plate. This medal is with an original suspension which is very scarce. It’s also with a photo of the recipient. This was a time when many recipients of this award were shot by Stalin’s NKVD. Quite a rare find.

A monument to a family of partisans in a Moscow metro station.

The nightmare of every German soldier on the Eastern Front was to fall into the hands of the partisans for the invader would be shown no mercy. The Germans waged a brutal campaign of reprisals against the partisans and civilians to keep their supply lines from being destroyed, but they never were successful in wiping them out.

“Russian Snow” unknown singer

Nikolai Obryna’ba’s memoir gives a personal insight into the daily struggle to stay alive in the merciless captivity of the Waffen SS, and his time as a partisan behind the German lines. Easy to read book that gives a perspective not usually presented in the West prior to the demise of the USSR. Contains previously unpublished photos of the partisan unit in which Nikolai fought. Excellent reading.

Published in the UK. Translated from Russian into English.

NAKHIMOV MEDAL

Issued 1945

# 11674

The Admiral Nakhimov medal was awarded to sailors and naval land troops during the Great Patriotic War for excellent service.